Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1887-04-28
The Hearts 0wn Sorrow.

DuI, hltblc, ~ was ~ man NoAOo
speaking now, lis your happiness moth
ingP Must you drudge forever. when
you might be happy?'
ness first, John. My parents need me
Il am their only support-and oh!
John, you would not, you could not,
ask me TO leave them now, when they
are old and helpless!"
"And / cannot stay. There is no
chance for me here to support you and
them. My only hope is in going to Lon
don But it is hard to 90 alone. Kit
tie, YOU don't know how have planned
and waited for the time when you
would he mine"
Il know it is hard, but'-and here
the patient voice faltered-'' since the
death of my brother, father and mother
are dependent on me, and as they are
both i'll | cannot leave them. i can
support them by teaching, and my
duty is here. But oh. il is as hard for
me us for you, and believe me, l shall
never forget you"
Forget me! Kittie, l shall come
back for you in a few years"
And so they parted; Kittic Wilton
TO take up her burden of life in the old
school, where, amid the hum Of voices
and the weary routine of duty, the old
memories would rush back upon her
with overwhelming force. But she
never once fa!tcrcd. Barvcly she bore
her burden and made her home COM
comfortable for those who were de-
pendent on her.
As for John Waters, he went to Lon
don and started in his profession, which
was that of surgeon.
Many nights. wearied and discour-
aged, he sighed for the companionship
of the dear, brave little woman he had
left behind, while she struggling on
ward in the path of duty, loved him,
and in that love found her only hap
pincss.
The years rolled slowly by, and
brought but few changes.
One pleasant summer afternoon, five
years after the parting of John and Kid
tie, found the latter walking slowly
homeward. her duties for that day at
the school finished.
Time had dealt very gently with Kittie
Wilton. The face was. if anything,
more perfect in its quiet beauty, for
the years of hopeful trusting had lent
a spiritual grace not to be seen in the
Kittie of five years ago.
The sun had just begun TO decline be-
hind the hills in the distance, and Kit
tie, gazing listlcssly at it, was thinking
of John. Her thoughts were nearly
always of him, and very pleasant
thoughts they were, too. In her hand
she had letter in the dear, familiar
handwriting, which she had just rcceiv-
ed at the postoflicc, and which she was
waiting to read ut home.
She was sure dear John would have
something pleasant to say, though of
late his letters had been fewer and
shoter SO she walked on with quick
cned steps, until she reached her own
house.
First she ran TO greet her dear, pale.
faced, patient mother, who had been
an invalid for years, and her father,
who was growing weaker and could
not live long.
With n smile and a pleasant word
for both, though her heart was very
heavy as she gazed on the pale, drawn
features of her father, she seated her.
self beside them.
Have you been lonesome, mother?"
II always miss you, Kittie,' answer.
cd Mrs. Wilton. But you have 4
letter. Read it, and tell us the good
news"
so Kituc opened the letter with eager
fingers. and read it through with face
that slowly turned rs white rs the
paper on which the cruel words were
written.
DEAR Ktttie: When you read this / shall
be marred-would dared to say dead! Yut
may condemn mc-you must despise me-anC
deserve your bittcrest hatred.
but let me tell, in as few words a
possible, the whole miserable story. Ny sue
cess, as you know, was at Tirst poor. Then
became acquainted with Dr. Carlton, whC
made me a partner with him. lie had
daughter whom have always treated as
sister, but whom did not dream OF marry
ing until a week ago. Doctor Carlton wa
taken MORALLY i'll, and on his deathbcd aske,
me to promise to marry his daughter, who was
as he says, in love with me. 1t was Crea
temptation. All the benefit should get 10
Doctor Carlton promised to leave me his who'll
fortune, which Is large by such a course pre-
scented itself to my view, while voice wits
pcrcd to me that YOU would never he mine
And, oh Klttie it did seem So You and bot
were welded 10 life of druigery. But her
was an escape for me. You know, Kittie
how love money. 1t was my besetting sir
Well, was weak, and he urged me so strongly
and yielded.
You will Iebctter of without me, Kttie, fo
! was not worthy of you. Think of me only a
one who was not worthy OF your pity-ho,
much less your low! You will fiud some on
some time, Kittic who will be 10 you all tina
! could not be. Then farewell. Forgive
If you can,
John"
What is it, Kittic }? Mychild, speak!
cried Mrs. Wilton, as she saw the girl
look of terrible grief.
"Oh, mother it is cruel-cruel
moancd Kittie.
What has happened, Is John ill ?
mo, he is married -
Kittie's voice was calm again, but
was the calm of hopeless dispair.
My dear girl" cried her mother
Sand you have sacrificed all for us !"
No; it is II pleasure TO minister I
you. Believe me. L could not .hay
been happy otherwise. 1t is all FIR IL
best; and now, dear mother, will III
up stairs and put away my things an
then come down and get supper" Ar
with loving smile on her face she lie